A Litte Christmas Story In January.

Even though Christmas already happened last year, and today is the last day of January I wanted to share a little bit of our Christmas morning from 2017. Little moments like this is what mean the most and because it was the simplest Christmas we've ever had wanted to write a little bit about it. After all, I write for many reasons, but mostly for my posterity, and want them to read why this particular holiday was simple, and sweet! Oh yeah, and why they didn't get so many gifts! 

Temple Day With Noheli!

Going to the temple by yourself can sometimes be needed especially when you need that time to yourself to seriously pray and think about the things that currently need nurturing in your life. Going with your spouse is a plus, and about the closest thing you'll get to feel what heaven would be like...especially when you go with your kids! Attending with members of our congregation is definitely one way to become unified as a "church family" and one of the things I miss the most when it comes to my past wards. It's so important to set aside time to go as a congregation.

Here's to 7 Years Of Blogging!

It's memories like this that I want to hang on forever. Memories of my children's first steps, the first time they crawled, uttered their first word, giggled, walked, caught a ball, ate their first food, and rode on a carousel. I love documenting life's joyful moments, and adventures, and sometimes the not so happy moments. I mostly want to remember and jot down the moments that bring light, but sometimes writing your heart out about the dark trials we face can be therapeutic, and in some ways help us grow up. 

An Inspirational Thought For Every Parent.

"Now, fathers and mothers, appreciate your children. Don't turn them over to somebody else to train and educate in regard to matters of eternal life. That is your privilege, and it is a privilege. Teach them to pray and walk uprightly before the Lord, and then in time of need they can go to Him and He will answer their prayers. It will be astonishing to you the great happiness that will come into your home that you theretofore have not enjoyed, if you will follow this counsel." 

-George Albert Smith

Cannon Beach, Oregon-Circa, 2003

Going to the beach in the late winter and early spring were my favorite when we lived out west, and because of the 12 hour drive from Utah to Oregon we only went twice a year. Sometimes I can't believe we survived all those years of living in Utah with only going to the beach a couple of times a year! The fact that I had these two sweet girls made that chapter in my life super fun!! It's no wonder I survived! These two sweethearts kept mothering more lively than exhausting. Then again I was in my 20's when I had them so my energy was sky rocketing! 

Skull & Bones!

For the longest time Lexie has always talked about being a doctor. When she was 10 years old she said she wanted to be a pediatrician when she grew up, and till this day she still wants to be a doctor. She is in love with anatomy and biology, and has always been fascinated with the body, bones, and brains. 

Our Last Day With Sister Griffin & Elder Berrett!

Once again I'd like to express my gratitude to all the missionaries all over the world who are serving full time missions. I know leaving their comfort zone is not an easy thing to do especially when one is super close to their family, but I know that leaving for 18 months to two years to serve The Lord, and share his true gospel is worth all that time gone from the ones you love. 

An Inspirational Thought To Strengthen Our Children.

"There is a spirit working among the Saints to educate their own offspring. 

If our children will be all we will have for a foundation of glory in eternity, how needful that they be properly trained.

There are wolves among us in sheep's clothing ready to lead astray our little ones.

Wolves do not devour old sheep when there are any young ones. 

I have herded sheep long enough to know that. 

Look after your children."

-John Taylor 

Attending The Temple Helps Us To Be Better.

With a new year starting attending the temple is always a priority in our life. I don't ever want to say "it's at the top of our list" because it isn't something that we just check off on a handwritten note pad. Attending the temple last weekend was a great beginning to both our daughters birthdays. It is a tradition that we have started since our oldest daughter turned 12 and one that I hope will keep going even when they're on their own.

Downton Abbey Exhibition in NYC!

This photo is obviously photoshopped, but oh how we wish it was the real thing! Experiencing "Downton Abbey" this past weekend in New York was the closest thing to experiencing the fashion, the history and the house! I have been a fan of Downton since the show aired on my birthday in 2010! My daughters have been re-watching the show when they have downtime from school, and they love it! We have laughed, cried, squirmed and winced while watching certain episodes. They are huge anglophiles, and love everything British! 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in D.C.

 "True peace is not merely the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice." -MLK Jr. 

Last spring we discovered the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and didn't even know it was in existence. We have walked the National mall a hundred times, and never stopped to take a look! This monument is called "The Stone of Hope." The inspiration for the memorial design comes from his "I have a dream" speech... "out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."

Happy Birthday Girls! 18 & 13!!

It's official. I now have another adult in the house and a teenager! To be born on Martin Luther King's birthday is empowering because MLK was a great man, and a person who will always be remembered. These two girls have so much of his personality because they are fearless in what they believe in, and are not afraid to share their voice when it comes to matters of the world. They also have a lot of me in them too! Especially Chelsea. She's 100% me, and 100% Jon which sometimes can be good, and sometimes not, but that's a whole other post. Today is their birthday, and I am so happy to be celebrating them.  

The Uinta Mountains in 2001.

The type of weather that is currently happening right now totally reminds me of the weather I once experienced in the mountains while living in Utah. You know, the kind of weather where the snow has hardened up, and is pretty much frozen solid on the ground with the right temperature where all you need is a fleece jacket, or a warm sweater. That's how it feels right about now, and oh how I long to go for a drive up to the Uinta mountains right about now!

An Inspirational Thought On Motherhood.

"Mothers decide to stay home not just because they are tired of juggling family and career; not just because they want to "be there" for the first word and the first step; not just because they have found that a rich home life requires persistent personal investment.

A New Year, A New Calling.

When we first moved to our new ward in Princeton, and our bishop told us how they don't keep us in a calling for too long he wasn't kidding! I love change, and even though I've enjoyed being in the nursery with the babies, and teaching Noah's class it's always nice to have different callings for that is the only way we will spiritually grow. 

A "Bomb Cyclone" In Jersey.

Well, the first snow of the year was pretty intense and bitter, bitter cold with sub 0 temps compared to Jonas in 2016 & Stella last year. this bomb cyclone literally mind "blowing" but we came out of it unscathed. The plows did a good job on clearing up the streets, and main highway because at the last minute I had to make a Walmart run to buy some food that I can actually cook for the kids. As much as I dislike freezing temps, and sometimes driving in it,  there is something about freshly dropped snow that is so beautiful.

The Day I Met President Thomas S. Monson.

I woke up early this morning and received a text from my daughter who lives in Utah. The text read "President Monson passed away earlier tonight." President Monson is the third prophet I've known since joining the church back in 1992. The memories I have of President Howard Hunter, and President Gordon B. Hinckley are extra sweet, but there is something super special of the memories I have of President Monson, and I will always remember the first time I met him. 

D.C. Temple Lights On The Coldest Weekend of 2017!

Going to D.C. to see the temple lights on the coldest weekend of 2017 was worth it. We couldn't let the year pass us by without keeping tradition. Since we missed out on going to the temple in December (dang you broken finger)  driving to D.C. to see the temple lights and all the nativities is the closest peaceful feeling in keeping the spirit during the holidays, and hopefully keeping it with us throughout the new year.

Remembering 2017 & A Happy New Year To You!

Remembering 2017 with so many photos, and snippets! This year was filled with so much joy as I witnessed my last child and only son Noah be baptized and confirmed, began cub scouts & has almost received his wolf rank! He loves scouts! My youngest daughter Chelsea is now in young women & went to girls camp for the first time this past summer as well as attending three different temples after turning 12. She has a love for drama & is casted in The Wizard of Oz musical in February! She's worn out from all the late practices, but is excited to be a part of her first musical!